Abstract
(1) Background: multiple theories were proposed to explain the phenomenon of phantom limb pain (PLP). Nevertheless, the phenomenon is still shrouded in mystery. The aim of this study is to explore the phenomenon from a new perspective, where quantum tunneling of ions, a promising field in medical practice, might play a major role. (2) Methods: investigators designed a quantum mathematical model based on the Schrödinger equation to examine the probability of potassium ions quantum tunneling through closed membrane potassium channels to the inside of phantom axons, leading to the generation of action potential. (3) Results: the model suggests that the probability of action potential induction at a certain region of the membrane of phantom neurons, when a neuron of the stump area is stimulated over 1 mm2 surface area of the membrane available for tunneling is 1.04 × 10−2. Furthermore, upon considering two probabilities of potassium channelopathies, one that decreased the energy of the barrier by 25% and another one by 50%, the tunneling probability became 1.22 × 10−8 and 3.86 × 10−4, respectively. (4) Conclusion: quantum models of potassium ions can provide a reliable theoretical hypothesis to unveil part of the ambiguity behind PLP.
Highlights
phantom limb pain (PLP) is a neuropathic pain that is felt at the site of lost body parts like limbs, eyes, breasts or visceral organs [1,2]
The model tests the probability of quantum tunneling of extracellular potassium ions through closed membrane potassium channels to the intracellular space of the axon, causing alterations in voltage difference, which leads to generation of an action potential
Each time an adjacent neuron fires, there will be an increase in extracellular potassium concentration. These extracellular potassium ions associated with each action potential will tunnel through the closed potassium channels
Summary
PLP is a neuropathic pain that is felt at the site of lost body parts like limbs, eyes, breasts or visceral organs [1,2]. It is usually accompanied by other neuropathic phenomena such as stump pain and phantom sensations [3]. Investigators designed a mathematical model to explore the quantum behavior of potassium ions in PLP. The model tests the probability of quantum tunneling of extracellular potassium ions through closed membrane potassium channels to the intracellular space of the axon, causing alterations in voltage difference, which leads to generation of an action potential. Tunneling is driven by the rise in potassium concentrations extracellularly due to adjacent neuronal hyperexcitability
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